HARRISONBURG, Va. - The Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) community will pause and reflect this week, along with the rest of the world, on the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Sept. 11 brought devastating loss to thousands of people in New York City, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and around the world. It changed our worldview from “before 9/11″ to “after 9/11.”

“As a community of learning committed to walking boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace, EMU’s thoughts on this anniversary turn towards peace and the ongoing hope that people of varied faiths and traditions can unite around common values and aspirations,” said Fred Kniss, PhD, provost of EMU. “From our various disciplinary and faith perspectives, we want to explore the important and complex questions that the events of 9/11 and afterwards pose for our global well-being.”

What have we learned? How have we changed? EMU is offering resources and events to provide a perspective on those questions.

“We hope they will help our students and community to gain a richer understanding of the challenges that face us today,” said Kniss.

Events

Planned events provide opportunity for corporate and individual lament, prayer and processing as a local and campus community.

The time will include reflections, poetry, singing, inspiration and artistic expression for peace. This gathering welcomesChristians, Muslims, Jews, persons in faith or no faith traditions, students and families. The event is open to persons of all ages.

Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 p.m., National Moment of Remembrance. EMU will toll the bells at Lehman Auditorium for one minute.

Publication of an e-book, “STAR, The Unfolding Story, 2001-2011, a 9/11 commemorative edition,” celebrates the birth and phenomenal growth of EMU’s trauma healing and training program, STAR, which grew out of 9/11 and has gone on to touch thousands of lives all over the world.

EMU’s thoughts on this anniversary point towards peace and the ongoing hope that people of varied faiths and traditions can unite around common values and aspirations.

EMU hopes these events and resources will generate energy to “walk boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace,” a stated goal from EMU’s mission.